Operafest Lisboa 2021

The Medium

GIAN-CARLO MENOTTI

When delusion is stronger than reality

Inedited

 

28, 29 AUG | 21h30

Garden Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

 

Opera in two acts

Sung in English

Subtitles in Portuguese

Length: 1h20 with no intermisson

 

One of the most relevant operas by Gian-Carlo Menotti (1946) finally in Lisbon, promising a night "out of this world".

With Libretto by the composer and a plot filled up with suspense, this opera displays an imposter medium, who deceives vulnerable families who have lost their children.

Madame Flora is a disturbed cruel woman. She has her scheme working well, helped by her daughter Monica and her servant Toby, making good money. What if  she is caught in her own web? Un unpredicted incident dives Madame Flora in suspicion and nothing will be the same again.

Inspired by a spirit session the composer attended with friends in 1936, in the outskirts of Vienna, this opera questions the limits between reality and supranatural world, and between truth and delusion.

With its evoking nocturne atmosphere, the Garden of MNAA, has all ingredients for an unforgettable operatic spirit session...

 

Musical Direction: Diogo Costa

Stage Direction: Sandra Faleiro

Costumes: Miss Suzie

Light Design: Gi Carvalho

Set Design: Roberta Azevedo Gomes

 

Cast

Madame Flora: Cátia Moreso

Monica: Cecília Rodrigues

Toby: Benjamim Barroso

Mrs Gobineau: Carla Simões

Mr Gobineau: Tiago Amado Gomes

Mrs Nolan: Ana Rita Coelho

 

Ensemble MPMP